Game 66: White Sox at Tigers

PREGAME: The Tigers have assured themselves of a series win. That’s good. But it’s not good enough. Can we hope for the s word? A sweep? We’ve seen flashes of good play before, let’s hope that they can keep it going for an afternoon tilt.

It’ll be crafty lefthander day at the ballpark. All kids under the age of 14 get to take home a tantalizing breaking ball on the outside black. Kenny Rogers and Mark Buehrle do battle today.

POSTGAME: So bummed I missed this one. I was at a conference learning about business intelligence and analytics. Interesting conference but it pales in comparison to a 1 run pitchers duel where the good guys won on a walk off from one of the maligned new stars of the team.

Kudos to Kenny who joins Verlander in slipping that ERA under the 5.00 mark. Not stellar by any means (the season, not the game), but rapidly improving. Polanco, Guillen, and Ordonez are all over .300 now. Things are starting to look like normal.

The Tigers did what they had to do in this series. Yet they are still 8 games in the red (both under .500 and in the standings). Still when it comes to the sweep you can put it on the boooaaarrrddd YES!

238 Comments

Long time no talk to, Bill. Just wanted to let you know that Tigers Weblog is being featured right now on Baseball Nooz. If you get a chance, check out Tiger players in our new Mashup feature.

Keep up the great blogging work (and good luck to Detroit the rest of the way).
Regards,
Walter
lead editor
“http://www.baseballnooz.com/”>Baseball Nooz

greg

June 12, 2008 at 11:51 am

The last 7 days or so…..is it just me? Or is Carlos Guillen looking like a major league infielder for the first time in a looooooong time. Accurate throws, making routine plays….shocking. He’s even bending over for ground balls. He hasn’t done that since 2005.

I love it. Can it really last? Let’s hope so.

tiff

June 12, 2008 at 11:53 am

I guess we can assume that the hemmroids have been … uh…taken care of.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Last time out against the White Sox, I count 4 first pitch strikes (along with 2 first pitch outs) from Rogers in 4+ innings. He just didn’t have it. Plus it was cold and windy that day. Plus it was a Sunday, in Chicago. 4 of his 5 runs allowed came on one pitch, after 2 walks and an infield single.

I like Kenny’s chances today. I’m not making any predictions, though. It’s Mike R’s turn today, I believe.

Dave BW

June 12, 2008 at 12:26 pm

For the White Sox, the end is nigh. Mark Buehrle shall be destroyed. No quarter shall be offered. John Danks and Gavin Floyd shall wake up in a cold sweat for the rest of their days, terrified that they came so close to destruction themselves and yet grateful that the heavens for whatever reason chose to spare them from their comrade’s fate. After today’s game, such will be the humiliation that US Cellular shall be sown with salt so that no team may ever take the field there again.

I am not sure what the deal is with Leyland, but I have a theory! First he says Cabrera and Guillen will be fine at 3rd and 1st respectively, them flips them. Next he proclaims Thames to be his full time LF only to throw Guillen out there. He also said Grandy will see more lefties. Then it was Inge to get more time at 3rd, but next tells everyone Inge and Pudge will alternate in the catcher spot.

The theory is Leyland wants to confuse and exhasperate the media and public from ever asking him any questions concerning the team, ever again! Seriously, I see Grandy is out of the line up against Beurle and wonder why? He hit .300 off of him last year with a HR. If there was a type of lefty to hit against, Beurle is the guy. Yes, Raburn needs some time to play but you are going for a sweep and I would want my best overall player out there. Give Grandy sunday off against the kid Kershaw.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 12:57 pm

That’s it – Dave BW is the official predictor. The Oracle. The Soothsayer. The Prophet Of (Not Our) Doom.

Ryan – “K-Bot 3000 (the older one).” Sweet.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 1:02 pm

I guess we should start posting on this thread now, shouldn’t we? Anyway, I just wanted to bring up how much I like the phrase “no quarter”. Kudos, Dave.

Could somebody better than me with computers please create a “batting eye” macro? I’m pretty sure I can hack Pudge.

ron

June 12, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Mike R has not chimed in. Hurry, someone step up to the plate.

ron

June 12, 2008 at 1:08 pm

Ok Dave has it.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:09 pm

Ron – Dave covered it nicely, I think.

Even though the Tigers can’t win with Pudge in there.

That outburst shall be stricken from the record.

Adam

June 12, 2008 at 1:10 pm

Kenny better win a gold glove this year. Have you seen any other pitcher defend as well as he does?

It’s ridiculous.

ron

June 12, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Nice catch, pitching, everything. Good start.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 1:15 pm

I hope K-Rog picks someone off today. If I’m not mistaken, he is 1 pickoff away from tying the all time record for that (Mark Langston, I think).

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Here comes the two run jack…

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:17 pm

I hope Rogers gets the no-hitter on the anniversary of the last one. Would he be the oldest?

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 1:20 pm

I think Nolan Ryan threw his last no-hitter at age 58.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 1:20 pm

And by the way, Sean, thanks for the jinx…

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:21 pm

No, Chris, that was his first one.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:22 pm

I’m not following the game and actually wasn’t positive Rogers HADN’T given up a hit, so – jinx removed.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 1:24 pm

Is it wrong of me to say that I HATE Joe Crede?

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:24 pm

I hate him, too, Chris. What did he do this time?

Dave BW

June 12, 2008 at 1:26 pm

Okay, I have to go to class in Ypsilanti. Don’t screw this up, guys (I’m looking at you, Sean)!

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 1:26 pm

Dave BW, excellent southern baptist minister prediction. Hopefully you will prove yourself the prognosticator of prognosticators. Sean C, thank you for conceding the list thing. I needed that. Also, I DO NOT like Ryan Raburn. I immediately frowned upon seeing him in the lineup, and then he immediately put us in the hole by trying to glove a ball against the wall. He best have at least one RBI today if he doesn’t want me to stitch a Raburn voodoo doll. I took witchcraft in college as an elective.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Hey, what did I do? Gee whiz.

(sulk)

Adam

June 12, 2008 at 1:32 pm

Rogers has 15 putouts this season.

Adam

June 12, 2008 at 1:34 pm

He also has just one chance less than the leader, Brandon Webb. Maybe you’ve heard of him.

Instant classic. Are you in cahoots with T Smith and Coleman, Ken? Actually, that was almost a Dave BW line.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Sounds like Raburn is making the least of his chances. Too bad.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 1:44 pm

Sigh…perhaps the malady is photosynthetic in nature?

ron

June 12, 2008 at 1:46 pm

Make up time for Ryan.

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 1:51 pm

Actually, I must finally confess, Sean C., as I can no longer carry this burden of guilt. I, Coleman, and T Smith are one and the same. I just had to use pseudonyms so I wouldn’t seem like a huge nerd with an exhorbitant amount of posts.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 1:52 pm

My foreboding kept me away earlier…then when I saw the lineup, the forboding became more like a sense of doom…see there are a couple of Tigers at least doing better in day games, Granderson and Inge for instance…oh…fine Captain Lucky Strike, ignore my advice for the special diurnal lineup, you showed who runs this team! Oh, but at what cost…

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Ken – Pseudonyms! I should have tried that.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 1:55 pm

Granderson out WAS a strange call.

Neal

June 12, 2008 at 1:56 pm

Read the injury updates and noticed it did not include that Wilson is out for at least another year, tore another ligament, and his career may be over. Good thing nobody wanted Inge.

I noticed on the trade rumors link that the Tigers may not be on the hook for Renteria’s buyout for next year, the Red Sox are on the hook for it.
How hot would he have to get for the Tigers to pick up his option, like they did with Pudge. Oh, never mind.

jeremy

June 12, 2008 at 2:01 pm

We are double play machines

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Neal – They – seriously – should have made taking Inge desirable for the Marlins. Somehow. Or just dealt someone else. Rabelo was serviceable, Pudge was fading, and Wilson no guarantee even then. Very bad to just “throw in” Rabelo like that.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:03 pm

Ken – I hadn’t noticed the dumbing down. No offense to your other pen names, of course.

ron

June 12, 2008 at 2:04 pm

Could be another short game.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Way to strike with the song parody, there, “Ken Coleman.” And so soon after your last post.

What’s going on, folks? How bad is it?

Adam

June 12, 2008 at 2:06 pm

NOONE!!!!

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:07 pm

hey, just got onboard. I see on the gamecast that rayburn turned a double into a triple defensively. wha’ hoppen?

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Methinks I faile to understande the terme “NOONE.”

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Looks like Buehrle is carving them up today. I have faith that they’ll get to him, though. “Magglio Ordonez” and “epic HR” will be used in the same sentence at some point this afternoon.

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 2:08 pm

That sucked. Our lead-off singles are proving quite inconsequential. I swear, if we get shut out today I will be forced to blot out the sun over Comerica. How shall I accomplish this? The Mr. Burns technique? A self-constructed dome of foil, gum, and popsicle sticks? An extremely large Halloween fog machine? Roseanne Barr singing the national anthem at every home game?

looks like Kenny is being economical – 65 through 5. Like that! not quite as good as JV last night, but acceptable. Now for some consecutive hits by the Tigs

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:12 pm

So far this game has been predictably–exactly according to trend–bad. Is there no ray of darkness to give us hope?

And Sean, don’t go wishing Inge on the Marlins now, he may be the only one who can save us from this sunsucking disease (if the good Captain will unleash him)

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:13 pm

“They would have asked us to eat 90% of his contract to take him.”

It would have been worth it. Pudge would be on the bench and soon traded, no 3B controversy, Cabrera would be settling in there OK and Guillen back to form at 1B.

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 2:13 pm

Chris in Dallas,

Ha! Nice quote. That really brings it to life.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 2:13 pm

This whole day/night thing is beginning to become a nuissance. Did they all become cocaine addicts in the offseason? They no like-y bright lights…

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:14 pm

Since it’s almost the halfway point of the game, and we’re kinda stinkin’ it up offensively, isn’t it time for someone to resurrect the ‘daytime hex’ theory?

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:15 pm

whoops, Chris’s clicker finger is faster than mine. . .

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:16 pm

I like what I’m hearing about Kenny. 65 through 5, 1 run. There’s a lot of hope left. If we (they) can’t get to Buerhle, we’ll (they’ll) get to their… um, never mind.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 2:17 pm

Ugh. Another strikeout has been foisted upon us by the mighty Mark Buehrle. Top of the order will be up in the 6th, though. 5 runs will follow.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:17 pm

If we all sing “25 or 6 to 4″ in unison on my count, this game is a Tigers W. Ready?

jeremy

June 12, 2008 at 2:17 pm

That was pretty funny what Dan Dickerson said on the radio “Behrle with the windup….Clevlen struck out the first time……….oh, and he strikes out again”

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:18 pm

consecutive hits to the shortstop wasn’t quite what I had in mind. . .

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:18 pm

Well, it’s only natural to be more pessimistic in the gloom of daylight.

Chris makes a good choice for optimism though–Locks-of-Sampson and Carlos the Butcher are the only guys immune to the sunsucking malady (except for the aforementioned bench-sitters, Inge and Granderson)

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 2:18 pm

Ok, tigres. When I return from Chipotle, I expect to see runs. At the very least I expect to see news of an approaching solar eclipse.

ron

June 12, 2008 at 2:19 pm

Took Pudge 5 seconds to run to 1st using the One Mississippi, Two Mississippi timer.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:20 pm

And yes Kenny’s pitching seems encouraging–yet there’s still that 0-4/4-0 thing staring me in the face. I’m afraid he is a Pitcher of the Night.

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:24 pm

Kenny’s at 76 through 6. What’s the Pull spot on Jim’s KR Pitch-O-Meter?

jeremy

June 12, 2008 at 2:25 pm

I’m afraid of the 1-32 record when they don’t score 5 runs.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:26 pm

He’ll let Kenny go to 100, I say. Seriously.

Tbone

June 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm

Rally Time?

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm

I’m just hoping Polanco gets on, cause the solarproof duo follow…

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm

been nice if Polly would have singled LAST TIME up!

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 2:28 pm

K-Rog should at least get through 7 today. Then we’ll see Freddy Solid.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Not to be overdramatic, but by my calculations this is the ballgame right here…

It’s great to have a switch (Day game/night game) hitter! Nice going Carlos! And we got our other switch hitter up now

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:33 pm

Rats. could have really used a long fly ball by ordonez right there

Tbone

June 12, 2008 at 2:34 pm

And a crappy one from Maggs to leave Polly at 3rd…

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:34 pm

What are the odds of an eclipse during Cabrera’s AB?

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:35 pm

Man, we have a lot of middle-of-the-order LOB’s.

Tbone

June 12, 2008 at 2:35 pm

jeremy – I think it’s 1-34 at less than five runs. Time for win #2!

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:37 pm

As the calming sounds of John Denver follow Cabrera back to the dugout…

OK, the eclipse was a longshot, but I was trying to be positive at least…

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 2:37 pm

OK for the rest of the game I’m going to pretend I’m Ozzie Guillen in my posts. Be warned. This team is playing like horse*&%^. Can’t even get a &*$% runner home from *$&#* third base with one &$^#% out.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 2:39 pm

Compare this game to the April ones vs. White Sox, and take heart. Night and day. Mostly.

tom

June 12, 2008 at 2:40 pm

Pretty good, Chris. Were the *&^%’s in a Spanish accent?

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:41 pm

It’s hard to score 5 runs or more without hits. And it’s hard to get hits with bats softened and de-natured by the ultraviolet rays. (OK, maybe something photosynthetic)

Just thought I’d throw it out there. Trying to understand Lucky Strikes reasoning.

jeremy

June 12, 2008 at 2:53 pm

There you go Cptn Smokey found a way to get Grandy batting in the 6 spot

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Neal points out:
“Coleman, hate to rain on your daytime parade, but I think the reason that Inge and Grandy are riding the pines is that they both are posting OPS’s against LH of:

Inge OF .476
Inge 3B .409
Granderson OF .544″

First of all–please do. Rain, I mean.
Secondly, looking at those stats…I’ll take it.
OPS in day games:
Thames .459
Polanco .470
Cabrera .587
So it’s a lesser-of-two evils kind of thing. But if you play Inge and Granderson, they may get ABs against other pitchers. But the other guys will be playing in a day game all game long.

jeremy

June 12, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Alright, top of the order lets get Rogers some runs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 2:55 pm

I could be wrong however. But if so, don’t let it be said that Ken Coleman from Cincinnati can’t admit his mistakes.

Is this Hockey, is Leyland playing for the tie? Don’t give up a run. Don’t we have have to outscore the other team? I think scoring runs would be good way to do that. I understand taking Thames out when we are ahead, but when it’s tied up. Is he that big a defensive liability?

Jerry

June 12, 2008 at 2:56 pm

Whoa..2 consecutive starts where the starter works through the 8th? What’s Leyland thinking?

Ol’ Captain Lucky Strike is starting to feel…”confused”…that crazyman with his daytime nightime nonsense…what if he’s right?? Cabrera and Thames sure do seem to be swinging like they are photo-…like they have that thing wrong with them…oh hell, I was gonna make a defensive change anyway, get Thames outta there…where’s my smokes?.,..

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Do you think they’ll have to use this thing I’ve heard of called the “bull pen” any time? I hear it’s neat.

I guess my Outsiders impression wasn’t enough to inspire them. Looks like its gonna be a walkoff win today boys!

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:03 pm

tom: of course that post was in a *&%*$ Spanish accent you *$&#^ piece of horse*$^#. (That was Ozzie talking, not me)

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:05 pm

“Coleman, if this keeps up, those guys will be playing in night game.”

You might have something there…so the old fox is shifting gears and covering all options now huh. Only a matter of time before he starts mumbling about Inge is the best daytime 3rd baseman in the game and starting him in LF

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:07 pm

OK since it’s a foregone conclusion that Jones will give up a run here, it’s time to second guess. Where is Freddy Solid, dammit?

Tbone

June 12, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Okay – pick your walkoff candidate…

I choose Grandy!

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:09 pm

Dotel has only given up 1 HR in 30 IP. He’s due.

jeremy

June 12, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Lets end this before Jimmy puts Jones out for a second inning.

Joey the K in Portland OR

June 12, 2008 at 3:11 pm

OOOOOOOOOH that looked out on game cast! don’t know how close it was on tv…

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:11 pm

Freddy Sol we could use…

I swear by Helios Grandy is going to win this one…else Inge pinch hitting in later innings.,..

Is this for real? Series sweep, Miquel walkoff, a win scoring under 5 runs. Hope they don’t wake up.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Dammit. Joey the K beat me to it. I’m going to do it anyway…

You can put it on the boooaaaaaarrrrrddd – YES!

judpma

June 12, 2008 at 3:17 pm

who are these guys????????????

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 3:18 pm

Chris in D,

Awesome job calling that HR, but nothing is as big as Polly’s head.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:19 pm

If Demon-of-the-Night Cabrera can win a game with a walk-off, maybe that breaks the spell? Or maybe Smoking Man broke it when he pulled Thames? Or between innings Cabrera cast an anti-spell spell? And now they will as soon win as lose these day games, and this awful period will just seem like a bit of a daymare in hindsight?

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Chris in Dallas,

“Ken: Chipotle rules. Those burritos are the size of Polanco’s head.”

And if you throw your burrito against the wall they are the shape of his head as well.

Riley

June 12, 2008 at 3:20 pm

Awesome win by the Tigs – can’t say enough about Kenny’s pitching, and for Miggy to win it in the 9th at home is the icing on the cake. Now let’s hope the boys do better than they did after the Yankees series and use this week as a springboard to repeat their recent success in interleague play out west.

How close was Maggs’ blast in the 9th?

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 3:23 pm

I think WE bloggers broke the daytime spell by beating a dead horse to exhaustion. I’m pretty sure Ra or Helios or whoever was like, “This just isn’t funny any more. I mean a few eclipse and vampire jokes are amusing, but this is just retarded. I’m ending the misery today.”

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Maggs blast looked good at first but he got a bit too much air under it and the sun held it up

Carolyn

June 12, 2008 at 3:24 pm

I have been screaming and jumping around my office like a little kid. Good thing my boss is gone. :-p

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Riley, it was to the warning track, but coming off of the bat I, Rod, Comerica, and Maggs all thought it was gone. It got caught in a wind coming directly in from left field.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 3:25 pm

What if they start losing the night games now?

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 3:27 pm

Sean, why you gotta break balls and rain on the parade?

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:28 pm

I’ll be interested to see tiff and cib’s accounts of what it was like at an undoubtedly rockin’ Comerica. Hopefully that will kickstart Gil a bit.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:28 pm

Cabrera was really the best possible person to win this one too, since he’s been the one bearing the brunt of the disappointment this season.

Ken from Cincinnati

June 12, 2008 at 3:29 pm

Sean, what do you mean “what if”? We can’t have our cake and eat it too.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 3:30 pm

I thought that they HAD to sweep this series if they were to entertain any thoughts of turning this disastrous season around. I just can’t believe that they actually, you know, did it. Sun gods be damned.

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Also Cabrera has earned himself a wall-flattened tete-a-Polanco Chipotle burrito, and we all deserve to spend a moment or two now as a fly on the wall next to Ozzie Guillen because won’t he be fun!

Coleman

June 12, 2008 at 3:38 pm

The schedule actually gets a bit easy for a while now too, there’s no Kansas City games for about 5 weeks.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Tiger pitching in this series:

27ip, 20h, 6r, 4bb, 8so, 2.00era, 0.89whip

the bullpen threw a grand total of 3.2 innings in 3 games. The starting pitching has been much better the last few weeks, hopefully it’s a trend.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 3:48 pm

also, Vance Wilson tore his elbow ligament again and will have to undergo another Tommy John procedure. Total bummer for Vance.

Chris

June 12, 2008 at 3:51 pm

I love those Chipotle Burritos as much as anybody. And I actually did consulting design work for their restaurants here in So Cal. But one thing everybody should be aware of is how fatting they are. Amazingly enough, if you skip the tortilla, sour cream and go very light on the rice & cheese, they are about half as fattening. I sometimes like to ride my bike from Venice Beach to the location in Marina Del Rey at lunch and get one of those. The 40 minutes of riding back and forth really helps with the indulgence.

Walter coming through with the good luck today as he posted a link to the “mashup” on Baseball Nooz and it was a link to Miguel Cabrera — no lies.

And that walkoff gave me chills. So good. I hope he goes on a tear and we see just how talented that kid is. He’s easily a top 3 hitter in baseball when he’s right and clicking.

Andre

June 12, 2008 at 4:12 pm

The day game meant that I wasn’t able to watch the game here in Chicago…on the plus side, “Hawk” doesn’t announce on MLB Gamecast so I was spared another game like yesterday’s where he complained the rest of the game about Gil’s walk.

What’s a stronger word than “homer”?…besides that clown I mean.

Carolyn

June 12, 2008 at 4:14 pm

Now I’m craving Chipotle. There’s one right down the street from work too…

T Smith

June 12, 2008 at 4:19 pm

Mark in Chicago:

Assuming you may endured this series from the very talented and insighful commentary of Hawk and DJ.

They take it like men?

cib

June 12, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Hi kids, I’m home! and the cable is back up. Well, after the 6th inning I was getting a bit toasty up in the 300 seats so I floated down and ended up in the standing area just past the statues. Really thought Maggs’ was going to do it but Gil’s shot was like a damn meteorite coming toward us. Everyone coming out of the park, high-fiving strangers – it’s what we love! I love the excitement but I hated the runners LOB during the game that would have obviated the need for such excitement!
I think I need a little aloe gel on my shoulders. I missed a few places with my sunscreen. I know, TMI!!

Andrew

June 12, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Andre – My favorite thing about the Hawk is that he LOVES Ernie Harwell. Can you think of one announcer is more of the opposite of Ernie than Hawk? It amazes me.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 4:24 pm

T,

I did endure Hawk and DJ, today excepted since I’m at work. No, they absolutely did not take it like men. Andre’s post above is exactly right that they whined the rest of the game about Cabrera’s 14-pitch walk last night:

“Javy thought he had him struck out…”
“and the next play was an easy grounder to second, that’s two outs”
“and if Javy throws that same pitch to Thames, it’s a 1-0 game”

and on and on, from innings 2-9, not at all considering the fact that their team managed 1 run and 4 hits so it’s a moot point.

man, I hate those jackasses. I look forward to catching the replay of today’s game so I can watch the ninth inning and listen to the stunned silence of Miggy’s walkoff. That will be so sweet.

stephen

June 12, 2008 at 4:37 pm

a relative of mine works for chipotle in marketing. so many free coupons. so much weight put on.

i am 2% optimistic now. key is for tigers to pass the other two teams in front of them and be 5-6 back at all star break.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 4:38 pm

stephen, you may have to start passing some of the coupons for free chipotle out, there seem to be a lot of fans on this board (myself included).

Andre

June 12, 2008 at 4:42 pm

Mark in Chi,

Amazingly enough the one thing they did take like men, and subsequently changed the subject to something other than Gil’s walk, was the iffy tag put on Anderson (?) at second in the 9th…

I’ll just chalk that to karma though

Andre

June 12, 2008 at 4:47 pm

One more question for anyone that watched the Chicago broadcast: did Hawk run through all of his “-isms”?

well, yes and no, Andre. they whined about that too, although not as much as the Cabrera walk. However, I can understand that whining since it was absolutely a blown call, Anderson was 100% safe.

They may have also realized that down 5-1, it didn’t matter.

Either way, we all know they are the worst tandem on TV, bar none.

Andre

June 12, 2008 at 4:54 pm

I can’t wait for a staged rant from Ozzie where he “throws the GM under the bus” with no real consequence.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Ozzie rants are fun. He’ll probably whine about the umpring or something, rip on Cabrera for being Venezuelan (irony is not Ozzie’s specialty) and tell everyone the Tigers were lucky to win any of these games.

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 5:13 pm

Mark: You forgot to add that said rant will be peppered with obscenities. Ozzie seems fond of the term “horsebleep”.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Oh yeah, definitely, Chris. Good call.

I guess my favorite part about Ozzie rants is that you can’t understand a %$^ing word he’s saying, you just know he’s mad and it’s filled with bleeps.

Seriously, if they didn’t bleep his swear words, would anybody notice?

Andre

June 12, 2008 at 5:19 pm

At the risk of being an ungracious winner, I dug up this morsel:

Harrelson served as a Chicago White Sox announcer from 1982 to 1985 and briefly left broadcasting during the 1986 season to become the White Sox’s General Manager. Many people questioned his work ethic as a GM because he was often found on the golf course instead of in the office. During that one season, Harrelson fired field manager Tony LaRussa, who was soon hired by the Oakland Athletics and assistant general manager Dave Dombrowski, who become baseball’s youngest general manager with the Montreal Expos just two years later. Harrelson also traded rookie Bobby Bonilla, later a six-time All-Star, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Jose DeLeon.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Andre, that is GOLD. I wonder what other crappy moves he made…

Joel in Seattle

June 12, 2008 at 5:24 pm

Andre, is that all for real? This guy puts Steve Phillips to shame…

Chris in Dallas

June 12, 2008 at 5:25 pm

That’s quite a resume for the ol’ Hawkeroo.

Mark in Chicago

June 12, 2008 at 5:33 pm

Interestingly, Hawk first grabbed Bonilla from Pittsburgh in the Rule V draft, so he got him for free.

Question: Um. On Konerko’s scoring in the second, WHY DOES THE THROW FROM CENTER GET CUT OFF?

I mean, I know. They weren’t going to get him. But there’s no one else on base! Even if it goes wild and does some crazy stuff it’s not going to matter. Don’t cut it off! What if he trips or something?

TELL ME?!

Sky

June 12, 2008 at 5:47 pm

I remember very when when Ken Harrelson went to Boston to replace poor old Tony Conigliaro. He did a good job…..but I have heard him as an announcer for years for the White Sox. Old Ernie Harwell, as avid a Tigers’ fan as ever there was, was never like Harrelson.Rod and Mario also are class acts. They always maintain professionalism and maturity in their approach. Harrelson is like a guy I sat next to at the scoring table at a high school football game. We were the visiting team and when we went ahead he wanted to throw me out.

This seems to have been quite a game. I was following it on my phone, but it just wasn’t the same. btw, we are now THIS close to catching Cleveland.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 7:12 pm

Mark in Chicago

“Sean, why you gotta break balls and rain on the parade?”

Ha. It cried out to be said, that’s all. I was an optimist all thread.

I didn’t see the game, but someone should answer Adam’s question about why the Tigers cut the throw off on the Konerko play.

Jeremy – No, I’m not the guy who brings up shutouts all the time. At least I don’t think I am.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 7:15 pm

Chris in Dallas

I regret to inform you that Joey the K called the walk-off win at 3;03.

I still believe in you, though. Things will pick up, Champ.

Shane Temporarily in Toledo

June 12, 2008 at 7:33 pm

I am feeling pretty good about moving into inter-league play after the sweep. Especially considering the current state of the NL West. I remember thinking at the beginning of the season the Tigers got the short end of the stick this year, now it is not looking so bad.
But, yet again I felt this good after the Seattle sweep, only to be heartbroken.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 7:46 pm

And now a recap of the top running jokes of the day, including some with short but high-quality runs. These jokes were based upon the following true facts:

1. Ivan Rodriguez strikes out a lot.
2. The Tigers have a poor record in day games.
3. Placido Polanco (evidently) has a large and misshapen head.
4. Ken from the Unspellable City, Coleman, and T Smith are all funny guys with a certain commonality of style.
5. Ken “Hawk” Harrelson is a broadcaster widely held in contempt for a number of reasons.
6. Burritos from the restaurant Chipotle are big, good, and fattening.
7. Posters here often try to predict the outcomes of at bats or entire games, sometimes facetiously.

Best one liner, from judpma;

who are these guys????????????

Check out 2 posts at 3:23 and 3:24 for a double shot of comedy reminiscent of back to back jacks by Maggs and Miggs.

And that’s it for today’s edition of “The Thread In Review,” Helping People Understand What The Hell We’re Talking About Here since about 20 minutes ago.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 7:53 pm

Shane

Ah, but this wasn’t Seattle. This was the White Sox. It’s huge. The thing to look back on and be sore afraid of is what happened after the Tigers swept the Yankees in New York. Talk about pride goeth before the fall.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 7:57 pm

cib

That was TMI. Now we all want to rub aloe on your shoulders – even “Hawk” Harrelson does. Please do not distract us from our OPS, BAbip, and ERA+ except to tell us more about the ballgame you witnessed.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 8:07 pm

Chris in Dallas

First it was Freddy Solid, and now Gil Cabrera. “Gil” hit the charts with a bullet, and it could end up being more than a regional hit. I’m talking number one on the Top 40. How do you do it?

Damn you.

cib

June 12, 2008 at 8:08 pm

Keep Harrelson away from me!!!

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 8:17 pm

There is no protection from the creeping evil that is Hawk Harrelson, cib. If you can see him or even hear him, it’s already too late.

Ryan in Brooklyn

June 12, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Wow! Just went through the entire game thread. You guys are just on fire these days! Laugh out loud stuff.

(Oh yeah, the win was really exciting, too!)

Brian in Tampa

June 12, 2008 at 9:51 pm

Alright boys and girls. I was out of town Friday through Monday. I recorded(tivo) all 3 black sox games to watch later at night. Series sweep. It’s official, I must record every game and watch later. I know this has been said before, but I truly believe this is a season changing series. The starters have been pitching great. Timely hitting, and good defense. I hope they can dominate the NL like last year.

Steve

June 12, 2008 at 10:10 pm

I am so excited after this sweep. The only thing I forgot to do was set the DVR to record the win today. I would have loved to heard the Who Sox crew today after that. I would only kick one guy while he was down or even looking at me and that would be Ken Harrelson.
Great poster of him in the swinger suite …. Check it out, Andres post at 5:36 (thanks Andre). Anyway He looks like a bundle of sticks

After this sweep, we need to string together a nice 14-3 run to get back into it. This proves we can do it, now its all mental and up to the guys to prove to themselves they are contenders and stay with it.

Lets go Tigers

Steve

Sean C. in Illinois

June 12, 2008 at 11:30 pm

Now that the Tigers have swept both the Yankees and the White Sox in the same season, they’ve done all I asked them to do, and I have no further use for them.

But since they’re still hanging around…

A question to consider: The Tigers may lose at least one game from here on out. What is that next loss going to be like? Are they going to lose like a winning team does, or is it going to be a return to where you ask yourself in the 5th inning why you’re still watching?

Kenny Rogers is now 8-4 as far as I’m concerned. What a turnaround. He’s the going ace.

PHT in HK

June 12, 2008 at 11:31 pm

A 3 game winning streak and sweep of the 1st place team, the first victory of the season when scoring 2 or fewer runs, Todd Jones’ record of 2-0, winning record at home, only 8 games out of 1st place. . .

Is it time to believe that the team has righted the ship and going to make a serious run at the playoffs? Or is this just another false start? I got to believe the former. In 2006, they got all the good breaks. In 2007, the good breaks and bad breaks probably evened out into an average year. This year, nothing but bad breaks so far. Being good is nice, but being good and lucky is way better!

tiff

June 12, 2008 at 11:52 pm

Was at the game, got chills when Gil hit it out of the park. I made friends with the guys behind me, and right when Maggs was at the plate he was like “I’m calling it, walk off home run.” Too bad he had the wrong guy. Of course, I couldn’t have been happier for Gil. He trotted home! Trotted, I say.

I think the moral of the story is I need to quit my job and attend the rest of the games on the schedule, both home and away. I’m willing to sacrifice for the team.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 12:05 am

“Tiger pitching in this series:

27ip, 20h, 6r, 4bb, 8so, 2.00era, 0.89whip”

It’s the innings pitched that impresses me. That’s a lot for 3 games.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 12:11 am

tiff

“I think the moral of the story is I need to quit my job”

I actually did quit my job in 1984 so I could watch the Tigers in the World Series.

tiff

June 13, 2008 at 8:51 am

you’re a good man, Sean C in Illinois.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 9:08 am

I’m not saying I recommend it, tiff. But it wasn’t much of a job, and how often are the Tigers in the World Series?

ron

June 13, 2008 at 9:58 am

Carolyn said Miggy would come around big time. She belongs in that inner circle with Dave, MikeR and Chris from Dallas.

tiff

June 13, 2008 at 10:24 am

I want in the circle too! I never doubted Miggs. The only problem I ever had with him is that he’s married, with a kid. /end fangirl sentence.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 10:38 am

Yeah, Ron, Carolyn is psychic.

ron

June 13, 2008 at 11:15 am

Tiff, make a prediction on tonite’s game, and if correct, you too can be one of the select few. I do know that there are probably fewer girl sports fans than boy fans, but the girls who are dedicated to their teams are usually more passionate and knowledgeable of their favorite team than 98% of the boy fans.

Carolyn

June 13, 2008 at 11:19 am

Yay! I made the inner circle! I must admit I have the advantage, though, living in South Florida and all.

That being said, he usually stinks against Lowe and that sinkerball (3 for 20), but I still have confidence.

Sean, well you had 22 good years before you had to quit again in 2006. Have you found another job yet?

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 11:38 am

Look at how often I post, Ron. What do you think?

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 11:40 am

Jiust kidding there. Actually, this job (where I’m not typing this from as we speak) is probably the first I’ve ever had where I’ve had my own computer and the freedom to use it as I see fit. Responsibly, of course. Like now.

Sean C. in Illinois

June 13, 2008 at 11:43 am

Mark, I consider your lineup more likely than mine. I took a couple wild swings, based on my own Leyland-like (well…) hunches.

Boy, does Lowe own the Tigers.

Mark in Chicago

June 13, 2008 at 11:53 am

Sean, I like the quad-magglio lineup best of all, but I was trying to be reasonable about my guess. Given’s Leyland’s schizophrenia, one could argue your lineup is at least as likely.

ron

June 13, 2008 at 12:00 pm

We go from those hated Chisox announcers to the best in the game, Vin Scully. His call of Gibson’s homer in the 88′ WS was terrific, but Don Drysdale on the radio side was classic; describing every little detail from the time Kirk left the dugout to the time he hit the home run. You had the feeling something big was going to happen. I think Drysdale was psychic.

Mark in Chicago

June 13, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Does Vin Scully still do the entire game himself, no color commentator? That was always the most impressive thing about him.

Chris in Dallas

June 13, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Mark: Vin is a one man band in the booth. Impressive. I love hearing his anecdotes about third string second baseman. He’s got a backstory for everybody. Classic.

David G.

June 13, 2008 at 1:30 pm

He’s amazing but have you confirmed that he’s gonna be at Copa? He does not always travel, esp. far. I love staying up late and watching Dodgers games on the package, Scully is awewome, and I never cared much for him when he was a National broadcaster.

Chris in Dallas

June 13, 2008 at 3:17 pm

The Tigers always seem to have trouble with the sinkerballers. Roy Halladay comes to mind as a guy who they just can’t hit. Fausto Carmona the Starter being another (Fausto the Closer was a trainwreck. Worse than a trainwreck, actually. More like an airshow disaster). Hopefully Derek Lowe will nod out in the 4th inning…